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Sec’y Of State Seeks More Oversight

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HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Connecticut’s new secretary of the state is asking lawmakers to grant her more authority and oversight to make sure elections run smoothly, such as requiring local officials to order more ballots.

Denise Merrill testified Monday before the General Assembly’s Government Administration and Elections Committee on a package of proposed election reforms. Many of them attempt to address problems that arose in last year’s election when the city of Bridgeport ran out of ballots and the results of the close gubernatorial election were delayed.

Among her proposals, Merrill wants cities and towns to inform her office of how many ballots they’ve ordered. Merrill could require more to be ordered if necessary. Her office would also be able to enter polling places on Election Day and remove a moderator if there’s cause.